Thursday, August 25, 2011

Mark Wahlberg To Open Wahlburgers Restaurant: 5 More Eponymous Eatery Ideas

by Amy Wilkinson Say hi to your mother freakin' quarter pounder for me! In today's mouth-watering news you can use, actors Mark and Donnie Wahlberg are teaming with chef brother Paul Wahlberg to open the eponymous Wahlburgers restaurant, which will serve—you guessed it!—hot-off-the-grill hamburgers. The news comes from the Boston Herald, who report that the brothers had to secure naming rights from a Rochester, N.Y.-based restaurant that already sold something called the "Wahlburger." (Who knew?!) The 4,300 square-foot restaurant is set to open "soon," across from the brother's Italian restaurant, Alma Nove, in Hingham, Mass. We, for one, can't wait to hang tough with a juicy Wahlburger, but why stop there? Plenty of celebrities have food-friendly names that we could see printed on those little paper placemats. Check out our epicurean suggestions after the jump! Kristen Stewart's "Stew Art" We already know the "Twilight" star makes a mean tortilla soup (heck, the dish has its own category on Hollywood Crush!), so it seems only fitting the actress extend her menu to include heartier fare. We can see the advertising imagery already: Robert Pattinson clad in nothing but an apron, devouring a bowl of stew. Steamy! Taylor Kitsch's "Kitschen" Few things are as down-home as apple pie and a football game...and by extension Taylor Kitsch (he of the dearly departed drama "Friday Night Lights"). We envision Kitschen as a comfort food haven—heart-attack worthy mac 'n' cheese, piping hot pot roast and the kind of chocolate layer cake you want to dive into with clear eyes and full hearts. Can't. Lose. Rooney Mara's "Maranara" We doubt Mara's "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" needs any more publicity, but we think the studio can't miss with this pop-up restaurant idea: an Italian-Swedish fusion eatery. Sample menu item: The Salander Sub—a scrumptious hoagie featuring Swedish meat balls in lieu of the usual hunk of meat (in homage to the film's Nordic roots). Of course, it would be located next door to an Ikea. Mark Ruffalo's "Ruffalo Wings" Cinematic history's taught us that mild-mannered Bruce Banner transformed into his not-so-jolly green giant of an alter ego due to a bad attitude. But the truth is, the secret's in the wings, namely, Ruffalo Wings. Hulk himself, Mark Ruffalo, has been hiding the secret recipe for years, but when he opens his titular restaurant in time for 2012's "The Avengers," we'll all learn that it's not so easy being green. Amanda Seyfried's "Sey-Fried Chicken" We doubt the lithe actress ever indulges in batter-dipped anything, but that just means more for the rest of us, right? Here's hoping she picked up some Southern cooking skills while filming Nicholas Sparks' weeper "Dear John," in South Carolina because making out in the rain does not a restaurant make. Do you have any eponymous eatery ideas?

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Disney already working on future Cars spin-offs?

Is Disney already planning to create a whole franchise of spin-offs based on itsCars movies?John Lasseter's introduction to Planes at the D23 Expo - the first film set in the same universe as Cars - certainly suggests that's the plan."[We're creating] an entirely new film set in the world of Cars but it's about the different vehicles. The first one we're doing from the Disney Toon Studios is called Planes."You'll notice he said "the first" there."The world of Cars is really big," he added. "When I look out of my window when I'm driving I see a whole other set of characters."The plot of Planes centres around Dusty (Two And A Half Men's Jon Cryer), a single-prop agriculture plane who lives in the small town of Propwash Junction. Can he compete with the lean, mean, trophy-winning machines he idolises?"We always record the dialogue first because we get inspiration from the actors. The character of Dusty would be nothing without Emmy Award winning Jon Cryer," Lasseter told D23."To be a part of the Cars universe is so ridiculous," Cryer said as he joined Lasseter on stage. "If you guys ever get a chance to do a voice character in a Disney movie, do it because it's awesome."

Monday, August 22, 2011

Inside Kim Kardashians Fairytale Wedding

La, Calif. -- Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries may have had 450 visitors and also over twelve cameras filming their wedding on Saturday, but the pair could create a romantic and warm celebration and, keep the majority of the particulars under systems! People Assistant Editor Jen Garcia, the only real print journalist within the Montecito ceremony, stopped by Access Hollywood Survive Monday to dish on particulars from the lavish event. It had been beautiful, it had been just specular, Jen talked to Package Hoover and guest co-host Arsenio Hall. [Kim] required everyones breathe away, stunning! Despite all of the hoopla and massive behind-the-moments work required to accomplish this type of huge event, Jen stated there werent any snafus. Everything went along pretty easily. It had been rather low-key, she described. There have been no tears, I had been surprised. It had been all smiles. Kim was totally awesome like a cucumber. Kris would be a little nervous right at the start, naturally so. Jen stated the pair also nailed their first hug as couple. The hug was sweet. She type of snapped up his face, these were wrapped around one another, it had been very sweet. It had been perfect. It had been the correct quantity of emotion, she ongoing. I figured it might feel just a little a lot more like a production, [but] it had been intimate. They did such a fantastic job of which makes it feel attractive and warm. The nice and cozy ceremony set happens for any more celebratory reception, which incorporated a slew of celebrity visitors like Robin Thicke, Ali, Dina and Lindsay Lohan, Avoi Longoria, Demi Lovato, Ryan Seacrest, Julianne Hough, Mark Ballas, Katie Lee Gifford, La La Anthony and Serena Williams. There is certainly an abundance of booze, Jen stated from the reception. Kourtney and Khloe were getting a lot of fun. Once they were giving their speeches and presenting among the bands these were supporting a bottle of champagne. These were certainly getting a chuckle. Jen stated that Lindsay also had fun, but little fun. She was well socialized, I promise, Jen stated from the headline-making actress. The bride and groom, who got a couple of dancing pointers from Kims Dwts partner Mark Ballas, also impressed throughout their first dance. [They] were fantastic [ballroom dancers] it had been pretty impressive, but short, she stated from the couple, whose first dance ended up being to Robin Thicke carrying out his song, Angels. Their loved ones became a member of them about the party area soon after. Everybody got available and boogied. La La Anthony also stopped by Access Hollywood Survive Monday to talk about her new VH1 show, La Las Full Court Existence, and she or he relived her exciting evening at Kim and Kris wedding. It had been amazing! It had been the royal wedding from the U . s . States, the star who attended with husband and National basketball association star Anthony May stated. Seeing my closest friend got married only agreed to be a minute. Most likely why Im just a little exhausted at this time. I believe I partied a tad too much, however it was certainly amazing. Myself and Serena Williams, we danced the evening away. Kathie Lee Gifford demonstrated Access all of the treats that visitors received in the weekend ceremony. The gift bags incorporated personalized treasures like sandals nevertheless, Kim Loves Kris, a variety of nail polishes with one named Here Kims The Bride To Be and perfumed candle lights. They couldnt provide you with enough stuff only at that factor, that was fine, Kathie Lee told Access. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved.These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Matt Dillon Joins Kristen Wiig and Annette Bening in Imogene

A later date, another much talked about Imogene cast member: Matt Dillon is joining the Kristen Wiig comedy in regards to a playwright who stages her very own suicide after she manages to lose her job, home, and relationship. Dillion will have the “crazy” love interest of Annette Bening’s character, Wiig’s crazy, Jersey Shoreline-like mother. Is he going to be Pharmacy Cowboy crazy or Crash crazy? Will she be Grifters crazy or American Beauty crazy? Or perhaps is it the suggestions above? Crazy. [Deadline]

Friday, August 5, 2011

Film Exhibitor Cinemark Reports Record Quarterly Attendance

NEW YORK - Movie theater operator Cinemark Holdings on Friday reported a slightly higher second-quarter profit and its highest-ever quarterly worldwide attendance. Its international theaters once again were key financial drivers. Cinemark's quarterly earnings of $40.4 million compared to $39.7 million in the year-ago period. The latest period's figure was dragged down by a loss of about $4.9 million due to the early retirement of debt. Revenue increased 15 percent to $620.6 million. The result was driven by a 15 percent jump in admissions revenue and a 14.6 percent improvement in concession revenue. The increases were due to a 9.8 percent attendance gain, a 4.6 percent increase in average ticket price and 4.4 percent growth in concession revenue per patron. "This record performance extended our domestic industry box office out-performance streak to eleven straight quarters," said Cinemark CEO Alan Stock. "Our international circuit continues to distinguish itself with attendance growth of approximately four times the U.S. industry rate for the quarter." Related Topics

Fall Delights: New Trailers for 'Sarah Palin,' 'In Time,' More; Due Dates for 'J.Edgar,' 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'

Summer must be drawing to an early close -- or at least the fall is starting early. Buzz is jumping for the Toronto International Film Festival, which runs Sept. 8-18; all eyes are on fourth quarter releases; and one studio is beginning to plan for Oscar, 2012. To help things along, we'll even give you a peek at some trailers for upcoming films -- after the jump. Two films that are being screened at TIFF released teaser trailers Wednesday -- and both are frightening in their own way. One is Nick Broomfield's not-so-flattering portrait of Sarah Palin in the documentary 'Sarah Palin -- You Betcha.' The clip here has Broomfield himself rudely interrupting a Palin rally -- right after Palin comments about the death panels that were supposed to be part of President Obama's health care program (Palin helped spread the lie about the panels, which supposedly would decide whether some seniors should live or die). Next is a sizzle teaser for the Canadian post-apocalyptic thriller 'The Day,' which stars Dominic Monaghan, Shannyn Sossamon, Ashley Bell and Shawn Ashmore and is directed by Douglas Aarniokoski. The plot: "In a post-apocalyptic future, an open war against humanity rages. Five survivors wander along rural back-roads, lost, starving and on the run. With dwindling food stocks and ammunition, an attempt at seeking shelter turns into a battleground where they must fight or die." Two fall films have also dropped new trailers on Wednesday. One is the exciting futuristic thriller 'In Time,' written and directed by Andrew Niccol and starring Olivia Wilde, Amanda Seyfried, Alex Pettyfer and Justin Timberlake, about a world where time has become the ultimate currency: "You stop aging at 25, but there's a catch: you're genetically-engineered to live only one more year, unless you can buy your way out of it. The rich "earn" decades at a time (remaining at age 25), becoming essentially immortal, while the rest beg, borrow or steal enough hours to make it through the day." Next up is 'Moneyball,' starring Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Robin Wright in the fascinating story of Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's successful attempt to put together a baseball club on a budget by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players, turning the 2002 team into a winning proposition. And, just to let you know that Oscar season isn't too far away, Warner Bros. on Wednesday announced release dates for two high-profile films: The Clint Eastwood-directed Leonardo DiCaprio-starrer 'J Edgar,' about you-know-who, which opens Nov. 9; and the Stephen Daldry-directed drama 'Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,' about a nine-year-old amateur inventor, jewelry designer, astrophysicist, tambourine player and pacifist, who searches New York for the lock that matches a mysterious key left by his father when he was killed in the September 11 attacks. The Tom Hanks-Sandra Bullock starrer opens Dec. 25 for Oscar consideration, then goes wide Jan. 20. Unfortunately: No trailers for these two. But stay tuned. 'Sarah Palin -- You Betcha' 'The Day' 'In Time' 'Moneyball'

Thursday, August 4, 2011

FilmDistrict taps Buman as exec VP

BumanLia Buman has been named exec VP of acquisitions at newly minted distributor FilmDistrict.She will report directly to Adrian Alperovich, prexy of acquisitions and operations.Buman was a VP at Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions and was involved in acquiring FilmDistrict's "Insidious" and "Moon" as well as international rights to "Men Who Stare at Goats," "Machete" and "Hanna." She started her career at IBM and was a business development executive for FilmDistrct CEO Peter Schlessel at his consulting company before moving over to SPWA.FilmDistrict, founded by Graham King and Tim Headington's GK Films in partnership with Schlessel, launched earlier this year with a focus on mid-range pictures and saw success with "Insidious" and "Soul Surfer," which grossed a combined $95 million. Upcoming releases include "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" on Aug. 26, "Drive" on Sept. 16, "The Rum Diary" on Oct. 28 and "In the Land of Blood and Honey" on Dec. 23. Contact Dave McNary at dave.mcnary@variety.com