5 new movies out this weekend

Looking for a good movie this weekend? Here are the four latest releases and reviews from our movie critics Claudia Puig and Scott Bowles.

The Expendables 3
Despite its star wattage, the action-packed flick might be the most dismal movie of the year. Expendables tries to trick viewers into thinking they're being entertained just by watching all of these famous grizzled action stars in one explosive place. But it forgets to give these geezers a reason to be gathering for the detonation fest. (* out of four stars)

'The Giver' took many turns on way to movies

The Washington Post

Somewhere, on a VHS tape probably sitting in a family member's garage, there's an amazing artifact from decades ago: actor Jeff Bridges directing a homemade movie version of Lois Lowry's best-selling young-adult dystopian novel "The Giver." Veteran actor Lloyd Bridges, his father, plays the title character. Dylan Bridges -- son of Emmy-winning actor Beau Bridges, Jeff's brother -- is the main character, a 12-year-old boy. Beau's other son, Casey, films it. The whole thing is narrated by "Harold and Maude" star Bud Cort.

Could Kim Kardashian's video game make more money

In the latest video game sensation, the player encounters an attractive stranger at a bar and must make a difficult choice: flirt or network.

The goal: climb the Hollywood food chain and transform from a starving no-name to a rich-and-famous A-lister.

This New Bar In Hollywood Feels Like A Dance Party

A new Hollywood nightspot that looks like your grandparents' attic has its frills in all the right places.

What we mean is, Genesis is not a craft cocktail bar themed to look like a speakeasy playing obscure, un-danceable music and demanding you wear your nicest shoes. But aesthetically speaking, Genesis looks great.

Hollywood police launch economic crimes unit

HOLLYWOOD The identities of those living here should now be a little bit safer.

The Hollywood Police Department has launched an economic crimes unit, which will investigate crimes including identity theft and fraud. The unit will also be there to help residents whose identities have been stolen — whether in Hollywood, online or somewhere else — and to educate residents about how to protect themselves against economic crimes.

Yo-Yo Ma is marvelous during strange night Hollywood Bowl

Yo-Yo Ma played Elgar's Cello Concerto at the Hollywood Bowl on Thursday night magnificently. A large audience, nearly 12,000 strong, was more than willing to fight terrible traffic jams caused by broken-down buses and whatnot to hear a superstar cellist.

Pedestrian Struck By 2Vehicles Crossing Street In Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — Authorities on Saturday said a pedestrian was hospitalized in critical condition after he was struck by two vehicles in Hollywood.

The accidents occurred in the 6700 block of Santa Monica Boulevard around 1:30 a.m., Los Angeles police Lt. Michael Ling told KNX 1070.

Firefighters Respond to Structure Fire in North Hollywood

Firefighters extinguished a raging fire that was burning at a commercial building in North Hollywood Friday night, authorities said.

The “greater alarm” fire broke out in the 7400 block of North Fulton Avenue (map) shortly before 7:40 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

The Christmas Eve Gossip

Bumper new deal for Raheem Sterling, Chelsea are in Benatia talks, Atletico to sign Marco Reus and more...

NEW DEAL FOR STERLING
You might have gained the impression over the last few days that it was only Manchester City that were allowed to announce new contracts for players this week, but according to Friday's papers, you'd be wrong.

Gossip column: Fellaini, Sterling, Cech, Cuadrado, Vargas

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Napoli's loan move for Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini, 26, will depend on whether the Italian club beat Athletic Bilbao in their Champions League play-off. (Daily Star) 

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has that admitted either Petr Cech, 32, or Thibault Courtois, 22, will probably consider their future at the club, depending on which goalkeeper he leaves out of the club's first match of the season. (Daily Mail) 

Gossip column: Falcao,Destro,Benatia,Toure,Guarin,Rabiot

TRANSFER GOSSIP

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has promised to pursue a world-class striker right up until deadline day, with Radamel Falcao, 28, and Edinson Cavani, 27, in the frame. (Daily Mirror) 

Scottish scientists discover secret to good gossip

SCOTTISH scientists conducting a study on gossip have found that tittle-tattle is more likely to occur if the subject being discussed contains a combination of novelty and familiarity.

Researchers at Glasgow University and the University of the West of Scotland asked participants to read stories manufactured for the experiment, where 100 popular US and UK celebrities, including Barack and Michelle Obama and David and Victoria Beckham, were involved in a number of false stories, such as getting pregnant, having a row in public, or being caught with drugs. Non-celebrity figures were placed in the same scenarios. The celebrity and non-celebrity subjects were also placed in everyday scenarios such as shopping or getting coffee.

Gossip Cop Breaks Down Rumors on Kim Kardashian,Miley Cyrus

Check out what we’ve learned about Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, and more of your favorite stars.

• Kim Kardashian’s “feud” with Beyoncé has “exploded," reports In Touch. The magazine says Kardashian feels Beyoncé’s absence at her wedding was a “slap in the face”… find out the real story at Gossip Cop.
  

30 Seconds On Business Of… The GCC’s Entertainment Industry

Gulf Business speaks to Ali Haidary, CEO of Sports and Entertainment Solutions.

Where does the GCC’s entertainment industry currently stand in comparison to global markets?
In the last 10 years, the sophistication and choice on offer has excelled, with a diverse selection of world-class entertainment shows and events catering to the region’s multi-cultural audience. Global brands and productions enter the GCC through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat. The consumer appetite for these shows is increasing and we are seeing productions staged in this region of the same standard audiences can expect to see in Las Vegas and London.

Ephemeral entertainment and Activision strategy for success

In a time when the video game industry is down to a handful of mega publishers and even small-scale independent developers have risen to become competitive, Activision stands out for making huge plays and reaping massive rewards.

Activision Blizzard is going into this holiday season with one of the strongest publisher lineups in recent memory. It's not just the diversity of the games, but the scale that makes it so impressive: Destiny, Skylanders, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Hearthstone.

Movie review: Entertainment – another brainless comedy

It’s Entertainment [2014] - [Official... by SULEMAN1987

Sajid-Farhad’s (Sajid Samji & Farhad Samji) joint directorial venture, Entertainment is a comedy of deliberately clumsy action and ludicrously embarrassing events. 

Remove the ridiculous antics though, and we are left with a dog, and a well-meaning son whose job is to entertain.
Sadly, the dog is probably the only cast member to live up to expectations...

Microsoft May Be Shopping 'Halo' Studio Xbox Entertainment

Microsoft could be looking to spin off recently shuttered Xbox Entertainment Studios, and has been meeting with at least one potential buyer in the wake of last month's mass layoffs, according to a report.

The Hollywood Reporter says Microsoft and Warner Bros. took a meeting about keeping Xbox Entertainment Studios alive and producing content. If that happened, Xbox's studios could roll into production with Machinima, a YouTube network focoused on gaming and geeky entertainment.

The spoils of Entertainment

Sajid-Farhad, on the second week of their first week 

A week after their 'baby' Entertainment was born, 'proud parents' director/writer duo Sajid-Farhad are as excited about their other baby (Singham Returns), which released yesterday. Given their winning streak, a double dhamaka is quite possible...

Comedy Clubs

Aug. 15

• Comedians at Laugh In R.C. Smith- the emcee/comedian on the hit show “The Chew”. Also appearing, Rico Sita- he brings to the stage a blend of crazy encounters; being married with a child, bad and good looking to name a few. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Aug. 15-16. $12. Laugh In Comedy Cafe, 8595 College Parkway, south Fort Myers, 479-5233

Showtime Buy Dating Comedy From Stu Zicherman & Jason Katims

Showtime has put in development a half-hour comedy project from Stu Zicherman, co-creator of the ABC drama series Six Degrees. It hails from Jason Katims’ True Jack Prods., marking the company’s first foray into cable.

Comedy Writer Julius Sharpe Inks Deal 20th Century Fox TV

Julius Sharpe, one of Seth MacFarlane‘s inner circle of trusted writers, has signed a two-year overall deal with 20th Century Fox TV, where MacFarlane has been based. During the past five years, Sharpe worked on MacFarlane’s 20th TV comedy series Family Guy and spinoff The Cleveland Show on the animated side and multi-camera sitcom Dads, all at Fox.

Robin Williams: comedy and tragedy [Commentary]

Robin Williams death and the loss of his talent add to the general gloominess that hangs over much of the world

Robin Williams made me cry. Like his mentor, the late Jonathan Winters, Williams, who committed suicide Monday, made me laugh so intensely tears would come to my eyes.
Williams' death made headlines and led TV newscasts. His comedic genius diverted us from stories about terrorism and other sadness in the world. That's what comedy does. It makes us forget our troubles -- national, international and personal -- and for a moment, embrace happiness.

New comedy club in English launches in Luxembourg

(CS) The International Comedians comedy club is coming to the Grand Duchy on September 13, with another show already scheduled for November, bringing English-speaking comedy to Luxembourg City, with 2x2 tickets up for grabs for wort.lu/en readers.

Co-founded by Canadian comedian Joe Egan, International Comedians hosts shows around Europe, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden. Adding Luxembourg as a destination for the touring comedians just made sense, said Egan. “We are really excited to start the club.”

Worst Dressed Celebs Of The Week!

Sigh. Considering all the risks they take, even fashion icons like Kim Kardashian and Rihanna can get it wrong sometimes!

While both ladies donned nude ensems, Kim's two-piece felt too chopped up, and RiRi’s number could have used less casual stylings.

SummerSlam 2014 Kicks Off Sunday: Kim Kardashian & More Celebs

Pro wrestling fans expect to see some of the killer moves when SummerSlam 2014 kicks off this Sunday. But besides the piledrivers and powerslams, you might also expect to see some famous faces in the audience.

ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: Celebs Get Soaked For Good Cause

Celebrities all across the country are working to beat the heat and a vicious disease. Justin Timberlake, Adam Levine and more are participating in the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness of ALS.

The Ice Bucket Challenge is the latest trend to hit Hollywood. Our favorite celebrities are taking on the challenge to help raise awareness for ALS, widely known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. By posting videos and photos of themselves accepting the challenge, Ansel Elgort, 20, Adam Levine, 35, and more celebs are making this trend go viral across the internet and helping make an even bigger contribution to a good cause. Watch the videos below to see the celebs take the challenge!

Confessions of a celebrity Supernanny

IN an average week, Philippa Christian might be chased by paparazzi, fly in a private jet and be gifted thousands of dollars’ worth of designer dresses to wear to the most exclusive parties.

She has lived in a palace the size of a football pitch, countless LA mansions and one of the world’s biggest super yachts.

Yet Christian is neither an actor nor a millionaire.

Roger Ebert Widow Reveals Final Conversation With Robin Williams

The world was left in shock on Monday when news broke of Robin William's tragic passing and on Thursday night, "The Insider With Yahoo" was on the red carpet at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association Grants Banquet in Los Angeles, where the talk was all about the comedic genius.

Starstruck – over a decade’s worth of celebrity snapshots

I don’t know what is more fascinating, the images or the accompanying anecdotes included in this collection of amateur snapshots taken from 1966-1980. Photographed with a paparazzi’s determination and a fan’s adoration, these portraits are intimate, touching, hilarious, and sometimes out of focus.

Jihadist hackers target celebrity accounts fund Islamic State

 

Scores of bright young computer experts are feared to have been recruited by Islamic State terrorists to plunder millions from UK banks and businesses. The jihadist group spreading death and mayhem across Iraq and Syria is already the world’s richest rebel organisation with more than £1.5billion at its disposal.