Michael Jackson’s ‘This is It’ grosses $200m in opening fortnight

Reuters reports that Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It movie‘ has now surpassed $200 million dollars at box offices around the world in its first two weeks of release.

Globally it’s now the 22^nd biggest grossing movie of 2009. Originally due to run for just two weeks, the movie has been extended til early December.

Sony paid concert promoters AEG and Jackson’s estate about $60 million for the right to make and distribute the movie which is compiled from footage of Jackson rehearsing for his comeback concerts before his sudden death in June.

Check out the full story on Reuters:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE5AB4TM20091112

Daniel Radcliffe in cannabis claim

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has denied he was smoking cannabis at a party, reports Reuters.

Allegations first appeared in a British tabloid but a spokeswoman for Radcliff has categorically denied the allegations although did concur that he would smoke the occasional roll-up.

Reuters has the full story:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE5AC2UI20

Patrick Swayze dies, aged 57

“Dirty Dancing” star and movie legend Patrick Swayze has died at the age of 57, following a long-running battle with pancreatic cancer. He died in his home on Monday night with his family by his side.

Swayze is best known for starring in the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing” which went on to become one of the most-watched Hollywood movies of all time. He also starred alongside Demi Moore in the 1990 film “Ghost“.

He was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer at the start of last year but vowed to fight the disease, surprising Hollywood by taking the lead role in a TV series which was broadcast earlier this year. He is survived by his wife Lisa Niemi and his brother Don.

Reuters has the full story and biography: http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE58E02J20090915?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0

Iron Man 2 Filming Completes

Director Jon Favreau has announced that filming has wrapped for ‘Iron Man 2‘ featuring Scarlett Johansson and Robert Dowey Jr, reports MTV UK.

Film bosses have released pictures from the movie to celebrate the milestone.

The movie is the second in the franchise and also features Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Samuel L Jackson and Sam Rockwell.

Now that filming has concluded, the movie has gone into pre-production ahead of its release in Spring 2010.

Harry Potter star in drugs charges

Jamie Waylett, star of Harry Potter, has been charged with growing cannabis at home, reports Yahoo News.

Drugs were previously found in his car but when police raided the stars’ mother’s home in London, they discovered more of the Class B drug.

Waylett has been charged with producing a Class B drug and will appear in court next month.

Read the full story here: http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/08072009/5/harry-potter-star-drug-charges-0.html

Winslet says no more baring it all

Kate Winslet has announced that no longer will she strip in movies, according to recent reports by Yahoo.

The 33-year-old star best known for her role in ‘Titanic‘ said recently that “I can’t keep getting away with it. There was so much of it in ‘The Reader‘ because the story required it, but people have seen enough.”

Suggestions have also been made that she is looking to take some time out soon and considering doing theatre as a break from the big screen.

Read more: http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/09072009/5/winslet-covers-0.html

Hollywood’s top-earning actresses announced

Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston have topped a Forbes survey of most well-paid actresses.

Jolie netted a staggering $27m – mainly from her parts in ‘Wanted‘ and ‘Salt‘. Meanwhile Aniston has earned around $25m. Most of this came from her part in ‘Marley and Me‘ and her upcoming movie ‘The Baster‘ but she also still receives royalties from television re-runs of ‘Friends’

Reuters has the full story here: http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE56065H20090701

Film Review: Looking for Eric

At 73, controversial Ken Loach has made this very well-recieved comedy-drama about postman Eric Bishop (Steve Evets) and football – Eric Cantona plays himself in it. There is social comment and life- insights galore. Well made film for critical thinkers – something to talk about afterwards.

By LondonBill

Emma Roberts to join Julia in romantic comedy

Reuters has been quoting the news from Hollywood Reporter this week that actress Emma Roberts will be starring alongside her aunt Julia Roberts in Garry Marshall’s romantic comedy “Valentine’s Day.”

Roberts  plays a teen who wants to lose her virginity to her boyfriend. The cast also includes  Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Jennifer Garner, Shirley MacLaine, Bradley Cooper and Ashton Kutcher. Emma Roberts last appeared in “The Winning Season” and “Hotel for Dogs.”

Reuters has the full story here: http://www.reuters.com/article/filmNews/idUSTRE55P15820090626

Bruno marches on West End for premiere

Sacha Baron Cohen has been causing a stir at the premiere of his new film ‘Bruno‘ in London, reports the BBC.

He turned up in something which looked like a sexed-up version of the Queen’s guards, donning a bearskin and tight leather shorts. Speaking to reporters he said “['Brüno'] is going to be the most important documentary about a gay white guy since ‘The Passion of the Christ.’”

He already caused quite a stir having earlier this month been involved in a stunt with Eminem at the MTV Movie Awards. The movie itself is out on July 11th.

Full article here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8106729.stm
Additional reporting by MTV News